sentence of probation

USAGE SUMMARY

"sentence of probation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to refer to a court-ordered probationary period for a convicted individual. Example sentence: After being found guilty of theft, the defendant was given a sentence of probation instead of jail time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He also received a sentence of probation.

The New York Times

He had requested a sentence of probation with community service.

The New York Times

Justice Firetog then issued a sentence of probation.

The New York Times

Mr. Gupta's lawyers have asked Judge Rakoff for a nonprison sentence of probation and community service.

The New York Times

He pleaded guilty and received a sentence of probation and community service.

The New York Times - Arts

Whatever the case, he received a curiously lenient sentence of probation.

The New Yorker

Curlett asked for a sentence of probation; Harding sought up to forty-six months.

The New Yorker

Traditionally in New Jersey courts, convictions on such charges carry a sentence of probation.

The New York Times

Prosecutors are recommending that he receive a sentence of probation, according to court documents.

The New York Times

Mr. Gupta's lawyers have pleaded for a lenient sentence of probation, accompanied by an order that he perform community service.

The New York Times

Still, the judge said, a sentence of probation and 200 hours of community service would help deter similar ascents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal proceedings, use "sentence of probation" to clearly indicate that a convicted individual is serving a probationary period instead of incarceration.

Common error

Avoid using "parole" when you mean "probation". Parole refers to the conditional release of a prisoner after serving part of their sentence, while probation is a sentence imposed by a court instead of incarceration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sentence of probation" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific legal outcome in a criminal case. It denotes the judgment by a court to place an offender under supervision instead of incarceration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sentence of probation" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, referring to a legal judgment where an offender is placed under supervision instead of being incarcerated. It's predominantly found in news and media and academic contexts, highlighting its importance in reporting legal proceedings and scholarly discussions. When using this phrase, ensure it's not confused with "parole", and remember that it signifies a specific alternative to imprisonment. Alternatives like "probationary sentence" or "term of probation" can be used for variety, though they carry slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probationary sentence

Reverses the order of words while keeping the core meaning identical.

court-ordered probation

Adds emphasis to the authority that mandates probation.

term of probation

Focuses on the duration aspect of probation rather than the judicial pronouncement.

period of probation

Similar to "term of probation", but emphasizes the timeframe.

probation order

Shifts the emphasis to the legal document that mandates the probation.

conditional release

Highlights the aspect of release from custody under specific conditions.

suspended sentence with probation

Specifies that the jail sentence is suspended in favor of probation.

community supervision

Emphasizes the aspect of supervision within the community instead of incarceration.

alternative sentencing

Broadens the scope to any sentencing alternative that avoids imprisonment.

deferred adjudication

Implies that a guilty verdict is not formally entered if probation is successfully completed.

FAQs

What does a "sentence of probation" entail?

A "sentence of probation" means that instead of going to jail or prison, a person convicted of a crime is allowed to remain in the community under the supervision of a probation officer. This typically involves following specific rules and conditions set by the court.

How does a "probationary sentence" differ from a prison sentence?

A "probationary sentence" allows the offender to remain free under supervision, while a prison sentence requires incarceration. Probation is often granted for less serious offenses or when the court believes the offender is likely to rehabilitate.

What happens if someone violates their "sentence of probation"?

If a person violates the terms of their "sentence of probation", such as by failing a drug test or committing another crime, the court may revoke their probation and impose a jail or prison sentence.

Can a "sentence of probation" include community service?

Yes, a "sentence of probation" can, and often does, include requirements such as community service, restitution to victims, drug testing, counseling, and maintaining employment.